Prime Minister Hun Manet has urged the police to enhance measures in tackling and preventing social insecurity, such as shooting sprees and drug problems, to preserve security and public order. 

The move comes after police officials were involved in a recent gunfire incident at Kirirom Mountain in the Phnom Sruoch district of Kampong Speu province on November 11. 

Manet made the remarks as he presided over the November 15 inauguration of the Koh Pich-Koh Norea Bridge, which connects the Koh Norea development area to Koh Pich. 

“Police investigated the …matter and discovered that the perpetrators were police officials. Thus, stringent actions were necessary, and four police officials have been dismissed,” he stated.

He said that law enforcement must intensify efforts against offences like drug and gang activities to effectively manage public order, adding that the work must not be done superficially.

Four officials linked to the Kirirom Mountain incident in Thmey village, confessed to their actions at the provincial police station. 

Kang Daravichai, also known as Kang Chhay, the owner of the resort where the discharges occurred, fled during the investigation. 

According to the confessions, approximately 30 bullets were fired, but the police discovered 200 bullet casings, leading them to consider the excessive unauthorised discharge of weapons a ‘shooting spree’.

Inspection Minister Huot Hak stated that the prime minister has instructed the police to clamp down on the illegal use of firearms and implement strict measures to uphold public order. 

He said this requires adherence to three fundamental principles – calmness, cleanliness and safety.

“The directive is part of the effort to strengthen the country’s law enforcement. Cambodia, being a rule-of-law nation, demands profound respect for the Constitution and all relevant laws and regulations. It’s about managing security and order,” he added.

Hak explained that addressing power abuses by influential officials is a crucial government objective, ensuring that authorities provide commendable services instead of exploiting their power to infringe upon citizens’ rights. 

Pa Chanroeun, president of the Cambodian Institute for Democracy (CID), endorsed the government’s actions against officials who exploit their authority, such as those involved in the illegal discharge of firearms. 

He condemned such behaviour as immoral and contrary to the law. He advocated for the punishment of law-breaking officials to deter others from abusing their power and violating others’ rights.